How to fix a blown loud speaker in an iPhone 5c

February 9, 2015

If the loud speaker in your iPhone 5c is not working, producing distorted sound, or cutting in and out, it is more than likely blown. If you're out of warranty, a DIY iPhone repair for this particular problem is relatively simple. It'll take you less than 45 minutes once you have the parts in your hands and will cost a fraction of the price of a new iPhone. And if you need help, that's what we're here for. We'll show you where to get the parts and tools you need, and how to replace a blown loud speaker all on your own!

What you need to replace an iPhone 5c loud speaker

You'll need some tools and parts in order to repair your iPhone 5c. If you're in the United States or Canada, we highly recommend checking out eTech Parts as we've had lots of good experiences with them and know their customer service is out of this world. All the links below will route you to the direct item you need on eTech's site.

Replacement loud speaker - Buy now
Suction cup - Buy now
5-point security screwdriver - Buy now
Standard #000 Phillips screwdriver - Buy now
Spudger tool - Buy now
Razor blade - Buy Now
iSesamo Opening tool (not necessary but awesome for prying up cables and getting under adhesive) - Buy Now

1. Power off your iPhone 5c

Before performing any repair on any iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch you should always remember to power it off. Simply hold down on the Power button until you see Slide to Power off. One you're sure your iPhone is turned off, proceed to the next section.

2. Remove the two security screws on both sides of the dock connector

There are two security screws that secure the screen to the frame and they sit on each side of the dock connector. Use your 5-point security screwdriver to remove them. They are both the same size so it's okay if you mix them up.

3. Remove the display assembly

Place your suction cup slightly above the Home button assembly and secure it to the screen.
Holding the iPhone in place with one hand, gently pull upwards on the suction cup until you free the bottom of the screen. You should now be able to use your fingers to slowly raise up the screen and expose where the front assembly is connected to the logic board.
Remove the four screws holding down the shield that covers the display cables. To do this, use your #000 screwdriver. These screws are different sizes so make sure you keep them organized in a way you can remember for re-assembly.
Once all four screws are removed, carefully remove the shield and set it aside.
Now use your spudger tool in order to remove the three cables shown in the image below.
The display assembly should now be free from the body of the phone. Go ahead and set the display assembly aside.

4. Disconnect the battery

We don't need to completely remove the battery for this repair but it's always a good idea to disconnect the battery before removing and replacing internal components in order to prevent a short from occurring.

Remove the two screws holding down the battery cable using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.
Gently lift the battery shield out of your iPhone 5c and carefully set it aside.
Use your spudger tool to carefully pry up the battery cable.
That's it. We don't need to go any further. Just remember to keep track of the shield and what order the two screws came out.

5. Replace the blown loud speaker

Some of the images below show the battery and logic board completely removed. You do not need to remove these components for this particular repair. Just simply follow the steps below.

Carefully peel up the adhesive shown in the photo below using your pry tool or iSesamo opening tool taking care not to tear it. This cable works in conjunction with your home button. It does not come completely out. You only want it to be detached from the speaker enclosure.
Now remove the three screws shown in the photo below using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.
The speaker enclosure can now be lifted out of your iPhone 5c. Just take care not to snag the dock or logic board when lifting it out.
Notice that there is an adhesive contact on the speaker housing itself. If you order a replacement from the parts I've linked above, the new one comes with this in tact. If you ordered elsewhere, you'll need to check and make sure this is in place. If it isn't, you'll need to peel it off the old enclosure and place it on the new one, or the speaker will not function properly.
Replace the loud speaker with the new one and replace the three screws you removed earlier, taking care to put them in the right order.
Replace the adhesive bit that goes to the Home button making sure it secures to the new speaker enclosure. You can use a tiny bit of double sided tape cut down if you need to.

6. Re-connect the battery

Re-connect the battery cable that you pried up earlier.
Replace the battery cable shield.
Replace the two screws holding the battery cable down using your #000 Phillips screwdriver.

7. Re-connect the display assembly

Carefully reconnect the three cables running from the display assembly to the logic board.
Reposition the metal shield that sits over the three cables and replace the four screws that hold it in place, remembering where each one came from — they are all different sizes.
Line up the top of the screen carefully and make note of the teeth that line up to the top of your iPhone 5c's frame. Once the top of the display is lined up, carefully snap down the remainder by moving your fingers along the edge.

8. Replace the security screws on each side of the dock connector

Once you are confident that the display is seated correctly again, use your security screwdriver in order to replace the two screws on either side of the dock connector.

9. Test the new loud speaker

Once you've turned your iPhone 5c back on, it's time to test the speaker enclosure. Follow these steps to do so: